Citroen DS 5 2015 Review

The target customer for a car like the DS 5 is interested in making a statement, and in that regard there are few other large, quirky hatches (shooting brakes?) this side of a second-hand Saab that can do it – and do it with sass.

Although they wear Citroen badges in Australia, DS vehicles are part of a standalone brand in some overseas markets and it's abundantly clear that the DS 5 is more concept car than Citroen car.

A quick walk around the car reveals a silhouette half-way between a medium wagon and a larger hatchback – but not quite either. It won't be to everyone's taste but it appealed to me, especially the finer details such as the silver bars running the length of the bonnet, the tapered roof line, integrated twin exhausts and the stylised four-spoke alloy wheels.

But it's not until you step inside the car that the vehicle's unconventional attitude really slaps you in the face with real impetus. That the DS 5 was first introduced in 2011 is irrelevant – style is in the eye of the beholder and this beholder is smitten. Fair dinkum, the interior has the sort of appeal and attention to the detail that takes your breath away. From the tastefully tiled leather seats and laterally-split sunroofs to the flowing dashboard elements and funky switches.

Admittedly there are some in this very office who think I'm mad, and that this interior design insults the eyes. But from where I stand – and subsequently sit – it's gorgeous. Even the instrument panel has a novel aesthetic.

As I mentioned in the video, when the norm is drab, boring, grey plastic interiors, this is like manna from heaven.

Comfort levels are good too. The seats are luxurious, space is ample up front and little touches, like the crimson-illuminated cup holders, made me smile.

Some of the buttons, particularly for heating/cooling, feel a bit cheap, the perched driving position need a fair bit of fiddling to get right, rear seat and boot space is average and rearward vision via the mirrors could be better. That said, head-checking over-the-shoulder reveals minimal blind spots thanks to the use of multiple upright pillars and lots of glass.

Some other detractions include the price, which at $51,990 puts it very close to much more fancied European metal of a similar size, such as the BMW 3 Series ($53,800) and Audi A4 ($55,500). Perhaps a more apt rival would the slightly less quirky but nevertheless interesting Volvo S60 ($49,990).
The DS 5 may never match any of those players in terms of desirability, at least not in this current generation, but it does a terrific job in delivering unique luxury and exclusivity. And it drives well too.

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine pumps out 120kW and 340Nm, which isn't bad but feels slightly blunted by the cars 1615kg kerb mass – particularly when you sink the boot in. But while it's not the world's fastest luxury car, the DS 5 is one of the quietest and smoothest (arguably more relevant criteria for buyers in this market).

The six-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is a nice bonus too.

Despite being a relatively old engine it's virtually vibration free and six-speed auto is likewise refined, making a suitably quiet driving experience. Ride quality is generally good at speeds above 60km/h but at lower speeds, as Ken mentioned in his 2013 review of the Citroen DS 5, you do feel smaller amplitude bumps.

Efficiency is good but not great for a 2.0-litre diesel, but things should change when the facelifted model arrives here in early 2016. When I handed the keys back to Citroen the trip computer was showing an average of 7.9L/100km, and at least half of the driving undertaken was in urban conditions. That said, the claimed figure is 6.1 which would be difficult to achieve, even if you drove like Grandpa Simpson.

This car won't be to everyone's taste. In fact it's very much an acquired taste, with only 28 of the vehicles registered so far in 2015. But in an ironic way that guarantees exclusivity. Despite the expected depreciation, the compromises in rear seat space, the ageing engine, it's still got a lot of appeal. It feels every bit a luxury car and exudes panache like few others.